Chimney Damper Replacement in DC, MD & VA
Nothing quite compares to lighting a fire in your wood-burning fireplace or stove on a cold winter’s evening. One of the first steps when lighting a fire is to open the damper. If this device is damaged, drafty, or broken, you should have it repaired or replaced before using your fireplace again.
Chimney.com is ready to assist with all your chimney damper needs. We have been providing chimney repair to residents and commercial building owners in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC for over 30 years. Our team is committed to resolving your issues and restoring damper functionality so you can enjoy your fireplace to the fullest this winter.
To request a service estimate for chimney damper replacement or repair in MD, DC, or VA, please contact us today.
What is a Chimney Damper?
A chimney damper, also called a fireplace damper, serves as a door between your fireplace and the outside. Dampers can be installed in different locations within the chimney.
Traditional throat dampers, also known as bottom-closing dampers, are located between the firebox and the smoke chamber. These are usually made of cast iron to withstand the high heat of a fire. Since they sit immediately above the flames, it’s easy to operate throat dampers by hand and check their condition at a glance.
Top-mount dampers are installed at the top of the chimney flue, with a control handle mounted to the firebox attached by an aircraft-grade cable. This option is more energy-efficient than a throat damper and provides added protection against water damage. Stainless steel is a proven, long-lasting material for top-mount dampers.
Why Do I Need a Chimney Damper?
When you use your fireplace, the damper door needs to be open. Otherwise, harmful smoke, fumes, and carbon monoxide gas will become trapped inside, creating an unsafe environment. However, leaving the fireplace damper open all the time can result in drafts that make your home uncomfortable and force your furnace to work harder. That’s why, once the fire is out and the coals have cooled, you should close the damper to cut off airflow through the chimney.
When Should I Repair or Replace My Chimney Damper?
It may be time to schedule chimney damper repair or replacement if you notice any of these signs:
- The damper has come off its track or out of its hinge: If either problem occurs, the damper may become difficult or impossible to operate, leaving it stuck partly open. A repair is needed to make the damper operational again.
- Cold drafts are coming from the fireplace: Extreme temperature changes can warp and deteriorate dampers over time, especially in the case of throat dampers that sit so close to the flames. A damaged damper can’t close tightly, causing efficiency and comfort problems. Installing a more efficient top-mount damper may solve this problem.
- The damper won’t open: If the damper is stuck in the closed position, it is unsafe to use your wood-burning fireplace or stove until the device is repaired.
Schedule Chimney Damper Repair and Replacement in MD, DC & VA
Many times, the best way to repair a damaged, drafty, or broken throat damper is to replace it with a top-mount damper. The team at Chimney.com has years of experience performing this repair. Our crew works hard to finish the job on time, on budget, and with your satisfaction guaranteed. We would be happy to provide you with a free estimate along with numerous references from satisfied commercial and residential customers.
To schedule chimney damper replacement or repair in the DC metro area, please contact Chimney.com today.
Where Are Chimney Services Available?
Our service area includes most of Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC. Here’s a partial list of cities we serve.
- Washington
- Bethesda
- Herndon
- Hyattsville
- College Park
- Alexandria
- Great Falls
- Potomac
- McLean
- Chevy Chase
- Hanover
- Ellicott City
- Gaithersburg
- Laurel
- Kettering
- Vienna
- Columbia
- Glenelg
- Fulton
- Woodstock
- West Friendship
- North Laurel
- Dayton
- Elkridge
- Silver Spring
- NOVA
- Washington DC
Don’t see your city listed? We may still offer chimney services in your area – contact us to inquire!